Anywhere you can enter the water safely and legally - an ocean pool, beach, river, lake, harbour, local swimming pool or plunge bath.

Choose a place that suits your experience, check local conditions and follow any signage or safety advice. Never swim alone in open water where conditions may be unsafe.

Yes. Fundraising is completely optional - but we encourage everyone to embrace the full challenge. First Plunge is about showing up for yourself, your community, and our oceans by committing to 30 days of cold-water plunges.

If you're able, we'd also love you to create a fundraising page and share your journey with friends and family. Every plunge completed and every dollar raised helps build a bigger movement for marine protection. If you're aiming to be one of our top challengers or fundraisers, completing all 30 days is the challenge to beat.

No. Choose a short dip, pool swim or activity suited to your ability and conditions. We are not responsible for your safety. You need to choose appropriately for your swim level.

No. The Avalon kickoff is completely optional and is simply a chance to build community before the 30-Day Challenge begins on 1 September.

You can join us at Avalon, host your own kickoff morning, gather your regular swim crew or begin the challenge solo.

We encourage you to gather your tribe, share your morning tagging us @pony_rider using #FirstPlunge, and register your local event so we can track and celebrate everyone taking part.

Funds raised through First Plunge will support the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s Safeguarding Critical Places strategic pillar, with a particular focus on expanding marine park and sanctuary protections across Australian waters. As with all charitable programs, a portion of funds raised may also contribute to the essential administration, operational and organisational costs that enable AMCS to deliver this work effectively.

Pony Rider owns and manages the First Plunge campaign. AMCS collaborates on approved conservation and fundraising content and connects its Stripe account within Raisely, so donations are paid directly to AMCS.

Pony Rider creates, owns, organises and delivers First Plunge. AMCS is the campaign collaborator and fundraising beneficiary, not the event organiser or safety provider.

By submitting your application and registering to participate you agree to the event Terms and undertake the campaign Privacy Policy.

Still got a question? Shout out to us via email customerservice@ponyrider.com.au with subject line FIRST PLUNGE, jott down your query and we will endeavour to get back to you within 24hrs.